Hi Everyone -
#ExperienceLosGatos
If you have not been following the Experience Los Gatos Instagram and Facebook accounts, now is the time to start. These sites capture all of the excitement our beautiful town has to offer.
There's so much happening in Town right now that it's hard to keep up! North Santa Cruz Avenue is now a one-way pedestrian paradise. You have to come down to experience the flow, the charm and the benefits. For those of you who fear parallel parking, you now have options. Like any pilot program, this one will face some challenges. Let’s learn as we go, but let’s be so thankful that we are trying something new. It is about time.
On that note, the Chamber would like to give a loud shout out of
THANKS
to our
Town Council
and the
Town staff
. Our Council had the courage to implement this one-way N. Santa Cruz Pilot program. The grief they have received on NextDoor and other social media outlets is remarkable. I am amazed that people will not at least give change a chance. I seem to be always reminding folks that we need to “evolve” if we want to stay relevant. Change is inevitable, especially given that we live in the Silicon Valley and the year is 2019. Cheers to our Town staff as well for carrying out the wishes of the Council with such style and grace. They worked tirelessly all through the 4
th
of July Holiday. First, they hosted the festive town-wide celebration at Oak Meadow Park, then they began set-up of the one-way pilot program and on Sunday they hosted a phenomenal Music In the Park.
If you have not visited the new
Veteran’s Memorial
, I encourage you to do so. We are so fortunate that John Lochner, Ellen Manzo, Kent Hillhouse and the rest of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos persevered and finished the project they dreamed about years ago. Truly, the memorial is a gift to the Town of Los Gatos and we should be proud to have it here.
We hope you are getting out and about this summer. Block Parties, Jazz on the Plazz and Music in the Park are just a few of the weekly options you can enjoy on these beautiful summer days.
Our next
Summer Block Party
is Thursday, July 18. Join us in Town Plaza, along with
Hapa’s Brewing Company
and
Left Bend Winery
.
Rusty Rock N' Roll
will be rocking the stage and there will be lots for the kids to do. Then, walk down the street and visit your local merchants, stop for a bite to eat and head to
Loma Lane
(Gray's Lane) for the other half of the Block Party. Their DJ, fun games and great beer will be on hand until 10 p.m.
If you have not seen the
Wine Spectator
magazine this month, it is a must read. So many of our very own restaurants and wine bars were highlighted. To view,
click here
. And then, of course, there was that Wall Street Journal article a few weeks ago! Los Gatos is becoming that “destination" once again. Spread the love and spread the word! Our businesses need your support.
And before you get discouraged about the empty storefronts, know there are many new restaurants and shops opening in the next few months. We are in the midst of “re-energizing” this great town. While we cannot relive that night in 1994 when the Brazilian soccer team was here, we can bring back the fun and make sure this Town is something special. Take part, participate, shop local, come to Block Parties, attend Town Council Meetings, say hello to your neighbor and, if nothing else, smile.
Happy Summer!
Catherine Somers
Executive Director
